Five Piece French Wardrobe: Fall 2016

I can't believe it's been a full year since my first Fall Five Piece French Wardrobe blog post. Many of the fall trends from 2015 are repeating themselves this year, like winter florals and capes or capelets. Some of these "trends" are less flash in the pan hits, and more seasonal staples you will wear year after year when the leaves are turning.

A few standout trends (some carrying over from prior seasons) caught my eye during my research for this post. Here's why: the "trends" shown can be timeless classics if you choose wisely.

1. Tie-Neck Blouse

The tie-neck blouse is a really versatile piece that you will wear season after season. You can wear it with a suit for a corporate look or with boyfriend jeans (tie undone!) for a weekend casual outfit. I particularly love jewel tones - solids or prints - and shades of blush, but a beautiful light blue blouse like the one pictured above is a stellar option.

Here are three ways to style the tie-neck blouse. Click the image to see two more!

("Finds" shows the pieces, which you can click to shop. "Lookbook" shows the outfits. "Closet" shows the items in the foundational Five Piece French Wardrobe.)

2. Leopard

Leopard has earned its place among the classics. The print adds a bit of flair to a neutral look, showing your playful side. This season, go bold with a leopard coat or skirt. You'll see that some pieces have been reigned in a bit by toning down the brown and opting for a grey twist on the animal print. Or, if you want to make sure this piece will stay in your closet for years to come, seek out leopard in a shoe, a belt, or a scarf. Quick tip: leopard and red are a classic pair.

Here are three ways to style leopard pumps. Click the image to see two more looks and to shop other leopard styles.

3. Velvet

Velvet is one of the most luxurious fabrics. It can be soft and supple or structured and sleek. This year we are seeing velvet in all shades and forms: blazers (classic), pants, shoes, tops, and more. The velvet choker has made a big comeback, but some of you (like me) might cringe at the trend if you remember it the first time it was big. (OK, I have a general issue with ribbon-like fabrics around the neck due to a strange story in my favorite childhood Halloween book about a girl with a green ribbon around her neck. Anyone else read that?!) A touch of velvet is an easy way to transform an outfit from day to night, or to dress up your favorite shape, like the skinny jeans shown below.

Click the image to see two more looks and to shop other velvet styles.

4. The Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets, the #1 fashion trend searched on Google this year, are still hot. There are so many bomber jackets styles and colors out there, you are bound to find something that suits all your requirements. Keep proportions in mind: a fitted, shorter bomber jacket is better for most body types and heights than a longer, more voluminous jacket.

Sticking to black, navy, army green/olive, or a neutral with simple details will likely remain timeless. If you love a bit of flair, opt for embroidery, a classic bomber or baseball jacket detail. The jacket styled below has a subtle pinstripe, incorporating another fall trend: menswear-inspired suiting.

Click the image to see two more looks and to shop other bomber jackets.

5. Suede

Suede and velvet: just about the two most wonderful fabrics to touch. I love a beautiful suede (or faux-suede) jacket, which adds a touch of boho and a lot of style to an outfit. This season, suede skirts are all over the stores, from minis to maxis. Find a style that suits you best, as you will wear this for years to come. For an extra luxe look, seek out saturated jewel tones, the perfect fall and winter colors.

If real suede is not your thing, for ethical or price reasons, pay close attention to the breathability of the fabric. Although not as much of an issue as with faux leather, man-made versions generally do not breathe as well as the real deal, so pay extra close attention if you tend to run hot. This is less of an issue for a skirt than a jacket.

Click the image to see two more looks and to shop other suede skirt styles.

Want to see more outfits or shop similar pieces?

Curious what these lookbooks are? I'm excited to launch my new styling platform, which will allow me to create capsules and style you virtual using the clothes you have in your closet. More details to come soon - be sure to sign up for my mailing list in the footer below to be the first to know when these services launch!